Is there anyone that can spring him and or transport? I will foster but can not keep another male for fear of agression issues. I am a long way from GA but would be more than happy to foster him. I could not foster the blind chow for fear of issues because of young children and puppies. Let me know if someone can spring him and transport.

Who runs that shelter, city, state, donations? I read most of their site and they seem concerned about the pets that are brought in and picked up, they have some strict animal laws, you would think they would get out of the gasing biz. The Lady I talked to seemed educated, nice and concerned about the Chow, what's with the gasing.

I don't know anything about Georgia, is that the Deliverance part of the Country.

“...There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because conscience tells one that it is right.” MLK

Hi. I just got off the phone with the man from the Spalding County Ga. animal control. The Chow could not be privately adopted out due to his health and medical needs and can only go to a rescue organization. That was upsetting to hear. As I was on the phone with the man a fax came in and a rescue organization called Saving Furry Friends out of Virginia came to the Chow's rescue and is taking him!!!! Woooohoooooo!!!!! He could have ONLY gone to a rescue and one stepped up!!!! The POWER of Dogster!!! The man I spoke with seemed nice and filled me in on the laws and ways of his County (Spalding) in Ga. He says that he does not necessarily agree with the Gas Chamber and we would have to go through the Ga. government to try and change that. The Gas Chamber is very much legal in Ga. I say that we need to try and change that!! I called at 10:00 AM and there had already been about 4 dozen calls on the Chow. Way to go! I also learned that any Pittbull or Pittbull mix is put down ALWAYS! (Grrrr) Spalding County is also trying to BAN ALL Pitts/Pitt mixes so they are trying to instate BSL laws in that County and he is quite positive that it will most likely go through and he pretty much supports it. This is an area that does not think of their pets very highly. The animal control officer says that most people just tie up their dogs in the yard and give them no medical treatment, vaccinations ect He also said that the vets in the County pretty much ONLY care about money and aren't too worried about how the animals are treated ect That is appalling to me.I ask that if you still call, please be polite, he really was a nice, helpful man and seems to care about the animals and wishes that things could be different for them. (He says that he is doing his job the way his County says he has to.) He said that there are some rescues that come in and try and take some of the animals to rehome. One that takes the most is called Saving Georgia Dogs. He says that some of them are just very limited financially and need more funding so they can take more animals. I am going to continue working on this to see what we can do for the dogs of this Ga. County.Also....Pittbull fighting is VERY popular in that area. ( Grrrrr....that makes me so angry!!!)Feel free to p-mail me with any ideas. I would like to do more for all of the dogs there in Spalding County Ga.Thank-you EVERYONE.

As far as the gassing it appears that it is a (at least) county thing. I will be sending in my response regarding the gas chamber to the gov. in charge. Any one else up for it?

Count me in. The time is right to capitalize on the attention Michale Vick's actions have brought to the treatment of dogs. What Vick did was delorable, but not on the same scale as the kind of abuse GA shelters inflict on dogs and cats every day via the gas chamber. (Not to single our GA, other states still allow gas. Until not too long ago, one Utah county was using the exhaust of a car.) Vick lost his job and millions of dollars in endorsement deals simply because the public was outraged about the abuse he inflicted on his dogs. Yet gas chambers are perfectly legal. It does not make sense. The outrage people expressed about Vick needs to be harnessed and redirected towards the use of the gas chamber to execute dogs. All it will take is ONE video of dogs dying by gas to get people motivated to effectuate change.

There is a book called "Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row." It is about a dog who actually survived a St. Louis gas chamber (the operator opened the door to find him standing on a pile of his dead cellmates, wagging his tail). Quentin and his motivated adopted dad catalyzed St Louis's decision to stop gassing animals. If a dog can do something like that, a bunch of motivated people should be able to do the same, no? Any ideas how to get started?

Martinsville, which was one of only four municipalities in Virginia to euthanize animals in a gas chamber, has stopped the practice.

It was halted last week and will be replaced by lethal injection when a new animal control officer is hired and the city resumes putting down unadoptable animals, said Martinsville Police Chief Mike Rogers.

“The way we have used gas is a perfectly approved method by the state vet’s office,” he said. “We have followed stringent guidelines of the state and have been in total compliance” with state guidelines while euthanizing animals in the gas chamber, he added.

However, animal rights groups, particularly Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare, “had focused a lot of efforts trying to get us to switch” our method of euthanizing animals, Rogers said. VVAW “has put a lot of pressure on a lot of jurisdictions to go to lethal injections,” he said.

“After reviewing their reasons for wanting the switch and after talking to a local vet, it became obvious that lethal injection is a more humane way of euthanizing an animal and we felt like it was definitely worth doing,” Rogers added.

The police department is “an accredited agency and we’re always looking to improve our professionalism and once we got to reading the facts and figures on ways to euthanize animals, it became very apparent that (lethal injection) is the way to go so we chose to go that route,” he said.

Most other municipalities had done away with gas chambers in response to similar calls by animal rights groups.

In Virginia, only Lee County, Scott County and Wythe County still use the gas chamber.

The city’s animal control officer, Joey Phillips, retired April 1. Since then, Henry County has helped the city deal with unadopted pets and will continue to do so until a new officer is hired, Rogers said.

Henry County uses legal injection, he added, and the city will as well when it resumes animal control services.

Since the city adopted the new method last Monday, four dogs have been put down, Rogers said.

Once a new animal control officer is hired, he or she will be trained by the state veterinarian’s office to administer lethal injections in Martinsville.

The bigger problem, however, is not the way in which animals are euthanized, but the fact that they have to be killed in the first place, Rogers said.

“However many (animals) we have to euthanize is too many,” he said. “It’s a sad reflection on people in today’s society that don’t have their pets spayed or neutered and especially those who abandon animals or who don’t come to the shelter to see if we picked up their pet.”

Rogers reminded area residents that Martinsville has a leash law, but “if for some reason their pet gets away, call us and let us know” so that the animal shelter can be made aware that the pet belongs to someone rather than being a stray.

The department hopes to have an animal control officer hired within three or four weeks, he said, but in the meantime, patrol officers have been handling animal control duties.

“...There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because conscience tells one that it is right.” MLK

Jeff&Peks wrote:Who runs that shelter, city, state, donations? I read most of their site and they seem concerned about the pets that are brought in and picked up, they have some strict animal laws, you would think they would get out of the gassing biz. The Lady I talked to seemed educated, nice and concerned about the Chow, what's with the gassing.

In Georgia, there is a very influential veterinarian who owns a company that makes the gas chamber boxes, from what I've read, has the only company in Georgia that does make them. He has managed to convince the government that gas chambers are the most inexpensive, humane way to deal with the pet population. He uses his vet background to convince people that gas chambers are the best option, then they buy from him...making him great money. For some reason, no one seems to want to question this man because I guess they assume a vet knows what's best. No one ever looks at the fact this man is making big money off encouraging the torture of animals.

Now the shelters that use gas chambers in Ohio I have no explanation for...pure stupidity or ignorance I suppose.

AmandaSweetpea Designs"Many people talk to animals...not many listen though. That's the problem" The Tao of Pooh

Last state senate session they decided not to add anymore gas chambers (I am pretty sure). But those sites using it currently are grandfathered in (I think).

I am glad to hear that the boy in question is going to make it. Frankly if I went down there I would have heard any BS about not being a rescue...I would have walked out with him or probably gone to jail. I am still in Canada and have been ablt to check in but no time to post.

Now I am concerned about the other boy left in there...are there any plans to get him out? I will not be back until late Wednesday so I cannot get him before then, and even Thursday now might be a stretch.

I'll be back on later tonight and see if there is any new developments and/or re-read the posts in this thread. (short on time ATM)

Sorry to say that yes this third chow must have somewhat escaped us. Me included until it was apparently to late. His last day was today meaning that chances are pretty good that there is nothing more that can be done. I'm not sure what to say about it right now but I pretty much feel like I spent too much time following a chow that I really had nothing to do with helping instead of looking at the one that I could have helped. I know that at the moment I don't have a reliable car so transportation is an issue not to mention I have pups that need shots and regular health exams + kids and all so financially it is really not something that I should do (can squeeze out the money but shouldn't) Either way I am glad that Morgan is getting the best care that she can but in the same time a bit low considering that there was a healthy chow that just needed a home not a rescue that I did nothing to help until it was too late.

Like they said you can't save them all, that 3ed Chow just popped up I didn't see it when I first looked at their site. I'm sure in a few days there will be a few more chows in the same shelter, what are you going to do run back and forth and save every chow they get in there. I think whats bothering you the most like me is the gasing. If the people at the shelter or the people in the town won't do anything about it not much you can do, you sure can't save every Chow they get in that place..

“...There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because conscience tells one that it is right.” MLK

Jeff&Peks wrote:Like they said you can't save them all, that 3ed Chow just popped up I didn't see it when I first looked at their site. I'm sure in a few days there will be a few more chows in the same shelter, what are you going to do run back and forth and save every chow they get in there. I think whats bothering you the most like me is the gasing. If the people at the shelter or the people in the town won't do anything about it not much you can do, you sure can't save every Chow they get in that place..

you are somewhat correct there.....but...I'm not sure how well everyone on here is going to take this but considering all of Morgan's health issues I'm not so sure that she should not have been put down HUMANELY though in loving arms. I just don't know that at her age she is going to have a successful recovery from heart worms and everything else. Heart worm treatment takes a lot out of a dog young and old alike. DAMN THOSE "OWNERS!!" While I am hoping for the absolute best for Morgan I am also kicking myself in the *Censored Word* for not trying to spring another chow in need that with possible heart worms etc would have a much better chance of recovery. Yes gassing is the big issue here and after hearing stories of how it's done, masses of dogs all gassed at the same time no one there to hold them or comfort them in their last moments truly bothers the crap out of me. No I can't save them all but I would like to help in any way to get them out of such a horrible ending even if it means doing as little as I did for Morgan. Cross post and let people know even if there is nothing more that I can do than that. Ok I have to get to bed I am on the fence about Morgan at the moment as to weather or not she should have been rescued and put to sleep humanely or if the trauma of being re homed and heart worm meds along with arthritis etc. she is going to overcome and live out her time happily and comfortably. Am I alone in this thinking with Morgan?

julia,
I totally agree with you about morgan.I think what bothered everyone the most was how could someone throw away a blind and deaf old dog.why didn't her owners put her to sleep.the poor girl has had a lifetime of neglect it sounds like.
I do not think she'll live thru the heartworm treatment.but I think it was wonderful that everyone pitched in to save her from a scary and sad situation.there are no words to descibe how selfless and giving people on this site are.
thank you for the part you played in this rescue.
jacqui

Kito Feb 4, 2006 - July 1,2007 Kai Mar.15 2007 - Aug. 26,2010And when my time comes I will not go alone for my Chows will be there to say "Welcome Home".

While Morgan could drop dead today, at least she will have known kindness in her last days. Her condition smacks of severe neglect. Heartworm, low weight...ugh! Maybe she can't live through treatment. The vet thinks she can, and I won't second guess. Que sera. Keeping her alive may not be pragmatic, but it is a kindness. She can lay in the warm sun and dream of chasing buns or enjoy a nice scratch. She has earned it. Her new keepers are probably pretty good at reading signs of pain and decline. I'm certain if she needs compassionate euthanisation, the rescue will cross that bridge when they come to it.

I often watch animal cops where they pour tons of money into animals I think would have been better to be euthed, and the money going to help many more healthy, more viable ones, so I understand the thinking here to let Morgan go gently, now. It is a tough line to walk, and I am glad not to be in rescue because of it.

Dr. Hodges is a great vet and if he says she can make I would trust him. I also know that he is very good at laying out a treatment plan and letting people know if he thinks they are not doing all that they can/should be.

I just wanted to take a moment and stop by to say THANK YOU to all that reposted,prayed and donated to Morgan. I also wanted to give you all a first hand update. She saw Dr hodges on tues and again today. She has so improved that even he couldnt believe how well she was doing. I know some have questioned my decision to treat heart heartworm. It was not a decsion I made lightly. We point blank asked Dr Hiodges do we treat or should we just try to keep her comfortable. His response was that he thought she would respond well to treatment. AND she has!!! She recieved and tolerated her 1st hw treatment very well, she is up and walking ( since the groomer shaved the mats off that were severely limiting her movement) She does have some arthitis in her hips but that is being controled very well with pain meds taken daily that are hidden in a treat. She is eating 6 small meals a day and tolerating that very well.She enjoys going outside in the fresh air for walks and has even begun to wag her tail. She is a geriatric dog, theres no doubt there but I do not believe nor does Dr hodges that she is 16( I know she was an owner surrender but if they thought SHE was a HE I question their accuracy on her age. Again I want to thank everyone the response from this site and its member has been overwhelmming. We couldnt have done it without your help~ Caroline, Sara, & Morgan

Ps We are personally sending out thank you cards to everyone that donated,however, please bear with us as we will not be getting them out until next week as aside from caring for our 17 other rescued dogs we are also taking care of an ill great pyr puppy. Thanks You guys are the greatest!!!!

Adopting one dog may not change the world but surely for that one dog the world will change

I went in and made a donation for little old Morgan, she reminded me much of Mrs. Tu being blind and deaf herself. I was out on the internet and looking at buying a suit and though suit or Morgan and Morgan definitely got any dollars I was going to put toward myself. I just came from the vet for kirby's first visit (more info in another post)and just paid them for my little chowangel's euthanasia so this was good timing for me to login and see that wonderful little old Morgan has found her own angels.

I am so blessed to have found all of you on this site, you all make me a better person and I thank you all for that.

caroline and sara,
no need to send me a thank you for the small donation.I wish I could have sent more.you are unbelieveable,helping so many dogs in need.I imagine your greatest reward is helping so many dogs that would have otherwise been put to sleep.God Bless you. jacqui

Kito Feb 4, 2006 - July 1,2007 Kai Mar.15 2007 - Aug. 26,2010And when my time comes I will not go alone for my Chows will be there to say "Welcome Home".